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What to do with 5 deep frames of honey from a dead colony

I'm a second year home beekeeper with two hives. My inspection yesterday revealed one dead hive with 5 deep frames of capped honey and no bees. I plan on replacing the bees this spring but am not sure what to do with the honey. Ideas I have:
-harvest now but what to do with the wet frames
-save frames with honey for the next colony I introduce in a couple of months
-Give frames with honey or wet frames after harvesting to my remaining vibrant colony
All thoughts welcome.

Re: What to do with 5 deep frames of honey from a dead colony

If your 'vibrant' colony has capped honey of their own,they do not need the five frames. The bees you are getting in a couple months will benefit from the honey especially if they are a package. If you haven't had a honey crop yet. One of those capped frames will yield 5-7 pounds. I always store my extracted frames wet. I seal them up to keep the vermin out or you may be able to freeze them for safe storage. Leaving a couple of the capped frames for the new bees is definately a good idea.

Re: What to do with 5 deep frames of honey from a dead colony

Place them in a freezer to kill any mites and SHB. Then take them out to help jump-start any new swarm you get.
Thaw them out for 24/48 hr before you give them to the swarm. and rake the caps open before you put them in. That way they can consume it easier.

Re: What to do with 5 deep frames of honey from a dead colony

Originally Posted by jrbbees

Place them in a freezer to kill any mites and SHB. Then take them out to help jump-start any new swarm you get.
Thaw them out for 24/48 hr before you give them to the swarm. and rake the caps open before you put them in. That way they can consume it easier.